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Male Drivers: Risky Business This Easter


Male Drivers: Risky Business This Easter

Author: NRMA MediaDate: 17 March 2008

Male drivers report the most crashes and near misses as a result of being distracted behind the wheel, according to new research by NRMA Motoring & Services.

The NRMA surveyed more than 1350 motorists about their driving habits, particularly how they engage in distracting, risky behaviour which could lead to a crash.

NRMA Director Coral Taylor said the survey showed women were less likely to be involved in a crash or near-miss due to in-car driver distractions.

Of the respondents, 68 men (8%) revealed they had crashes because they were distracted while driving compared to 23 women (5%). Men reported 258 near misses (30%), compared to 98 women (20%).

"Motorists clearly understand which behaviours were dangerous but 75 per cent admit taking their eyes off the road to do something other than driving," Ms Taylor said.

"Everyone, particularly those travelling over Easter, need to keep their focus on the driving task because a few seconds of inattention can have tragic consequences."

Drivers admitted to taking the following risks:

  • Adjusting the car stereo (76%)
  • Listening to music (70%)
  • Drinking a cold beverage (66%)
  • Eating (64%)
  • Handling CDs (50%)
  • Talking on a mobile without hands-free (42%)
  • Reading a map (41%)

Some of the more unusual in-car behaviours reported included shaving, reading a newspaper, kissing and chasing insects. Eleven per cent of females reported applying make-up while driving. Other risks included turning round to talk to passengers, using navigation systems and smoking.

"While virtually all people surveyed (96%) acknowledged that texting while driving was the most dangerous behaviour, one in five drivers admitted to doing it," Ms Taylor said.

"Many respondents also expressed their anger at seeing other drivers unsafe behaviour, yet most admitted to being distracted drivers themselves.

"Drivers need to give their whole attention to the job of driving and avoid placing themselves, their passengers and other road users in danger."

Motorists were also concerned about external distractions, with 81 per cent saying moving billboards were a major problem. Poorly signposted roads, confusing signage and changing speed zones were also highlighted as distractions by the survey of NSW and ACT motorists.

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